XIX Feira das Vontades in Avenida Arriaga

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

The annual XIX Feira das Vontades takes place from Wednesday the 16th to Saturday the 19th of November in Avenida Arriaga, Funchal.

This pre-Christmas initiative allows several social institutions the opportunity of raising funds as well as highlight the work carried out by their volunteers.

There are several organisations taking part in the event, including the Casa do Voluntariado, Associação Garouta do Calhau, Direção Regional da Juventude, Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro and Irmãs Hospitaleiras.

The events programme also includes music, singing, and dancing by local groups.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

Photo: JM

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